A Three-Part Roadmap to Energy Independence

First, he should convene a national energy summit. Bring together all energy stakeholders from industry, NGO, and other key groups representing oil and gas, renewables and clean tech, coal, and nuclear for a comprehensive discussion of the energy issues that confront us. The oil and gas industry must realize they just can’t have a free hand. There’s got to be sensible regulation. That means dialogue. Let’s keep politics out of it. Other than the President, no elected officials should be in the room – they’ll get their chance later. Second, the President should direct his Administration to develop a federal climate change policy. If Hurricane Sandy taught us anything it’s that our planet is saying something to all of us – and it’s not good news. Economists say the world can protect itself from catastrophic climate change at a cost of one to three percent of our economic act...